Disclaimer: I neither own the song What You Mean To Me nor was I the one to write it. All those rights are reserved for Sterling Knight who sang the song, the writer and the different people and organizations affiliated with this song.
The UA culture festival is drawing near. Practice has been going well and everyone is excited for the big school performance; however, the students of Class 1A were feeling apprehensive. Izuku and Ochako had a fight. Normally this would not affect them because all friends have disagreements at times but their arguments were affecting all aspects of their lives. At first they would make small helpful criticism then it would degenerate to a full on shouting match between the two for a few reasons. They have even done this during classes which was usually stopped by the teachers. Although Present Mic let them continue their verbal joust as long as they keep it in English.
Iida, the poor guy was stuck in between his two friends playing mediator as well as a messenger to his two companions. He had tried many times to talk some sense and try to convince them to forgive the other but unfortunately for him, the two stubborn and would not let the matter drop. He resigned himself to the fact that until they calm down, he was to play the middle man in the lovers quarrel.
The night before the festival. Izuku could not sleep. Anxious about the performance but more so about his arguments with Ochako. Looking to the horizon, hoping to find the answer to his current predicament.
"What am I supposed to do?" Izuku sighed.
"How about growing some fucking balls and apologize!? You stupid nerd!" Bakugo suggested in a very Bakugo like manner from the entrance of the roof.
"Kacchan!" Izuku screamed and jumped in surprise. His childhood friend and bully ignores him. Walking towards the railing, he placed both arms on them and leaned on them.
"I'm only going to do this once so clean wax out of your ears," Katsuki said. "You and Round Face have been friends since you got into UA. Your first friend since…"
"Kacchan!" Izuku tried to cut in.
"Just shut up and listen nerd!" Growled Katsuki. "Look, I know what I did was horrible. I realize that now but I ain't gonna apologize for it either."
'Eh!' Izuku thought. His mind blown at the fact that this was the closest he had gotten to an apology from Bakugo.
"Look,Round Face is tough. You know that. I know that. She must be to be able to deal with all your shit," Katsuki continued. "She's supported you from day one. Helped you take care of the brat. Heck Eri's proclaimed both of you as her parents and she doesn't even live here, yet. I'll bet that she'll stick by you to the bitter end. She might as well be your wife; but Deku, don't you think that you're taking her for granted?"
"Huh!?" Izuku let out in confusion.
"Don't huh me you little shit!" Bakugo shouted. "What have you done for her since you met!? What have you done for her to thank her for all she's done for you!? What have you done!? Huh!?"
Izuku was trembling. Katsuki was right. What has he done for Uraraka? What had he done when she was down? When she needed someone? When she was unsure? Nothing, a whole lot of nothing, that's what. And if someone like Kacchan could recognize that then how blind was he?
"I need to go," Izuku said. Fire emanating from his eyes. Resolve in each step. Katsuki smirked.
"Good," Katsuki said. "Now go get your shit together."
The day of the culture festival. Class 1A has just finished their performance. The lights suddenly turned off. Uraraka was suddenly under a spotlight and the rest of the class began playing a different song.
Can't blame you for thinking
That you never really knew me at all
The crowd parted to reveal Izuku. Ochako was confused. She was never told about this. The green teen began walking toward her.
I tried to deny you
But nothing ever made me feel so wrong
Finally realizing what was happening. A mixture of emotions overcame her. The blush on her face deepened.
'He's apologizing!' Ochako thought. She then crossed her arms and gave him her best attempt at a glare. Which just ended up as a cute pout. 'I'm not going to let you win me so easily though.'
He stopped in front of the brunette. Locking eyes with her, he continued.
I thought I was protecting you
From everything that I go through
She huffed at those words. This was one of the main reasons of their arguments. She understood that Deku just wants to help and protect her. It was fine and she loved him for it but every time the reverse would happen Deku would tell her he was fine and tries to do things by himself. It infuriated her to no end. It was like he did not trust her.
But I know that we got lost along the way
Here I am with all my heart
I hope you understand
Izuku took to one knee. Looking at her. Praying.
I know I let you down
But I'm never gonna make
That mistake again
'Don't make promises you can't keep,' she thought as she rolled her eyes.
You brought me closer
To who I really am
Come take my hand
I want the world to see
What you mean to me
Ochako's legs felt like butter. Izuku was being his sweet self again and had already won her over.
"I know that you only have good intentions Deku-kun," Ochako whispered. "But I want it through your thick head that you don't have to do everything alone. I can help you."
Hearing this, Izuku continued the song. Making peace with what he will have to do and hopes that All Might would forgive him.
Just know that I'm sorry
I never wanted to make you feel so small
Our story is just beginning
But let the truth break down these walls (oh yeah yeah)
This surprised Ochako. She looked at him hopefully for any sign. A confirmation and was filled with happiness when he nodded at her.
And every time I think of you
I think of how you pushed me through
And show me how much better I could be
A smile crept to his face as he remembered all of his memories of and with her.
Here I am with all my heart
I hope you understand
'No more secrets! No more lies!' Izuku thought. 'I will tell you everything. I promise.'
It seemed that Ochako understood his thoughts because she smiled at him for the first time in weeks. Izuku felt warm. That smile was so bright that it was blinding. He felt something that he had not felt since they started arguing. He felt hope.
I know I let you down
But I'm never gonna make
That mistake again
He pleaded with her again. Apologizing for his stupidity, his bullheadedness, his mistakes. This time he brought up his hand.
You brought me closer
To who I really am
Come take my hand
I want the world to see
What you mean to me
Ochako raised her hand and was about to take Izuku's offer but hesitated. Now that her anger had subsided, her insecurities came back in full. Seeing the confusion and hurt that was on his face, she avoided his gaze.
Izuku was stunned. He was so happy when he saw Ochako's hand closing towards his but pulled back.
'What happened!?' He thought. Tears falling down his face. The feeling of losing her was agonizing. He would rather break his bones repeatedly than feel this. Then, he caught a glimpse of the face hidden behind those beautiful bobs she called hair. It was an expression that he was very familiar with. Determination kicked in and moved closer to her, he guided her head using her chin. Continuing the song.
You make me feel like I'm myself
Instead of being someone else
I wanna live that every day
You say what no one else was saying
You know exactly how to get to me
You know it's what I need
It's what I need yeah
Tears fell from Ochako's eyes. Did she really have so much influence over Izuku? Did he really think of her so highly? What made her so important to him?
Here I am with all my heart
I hope you understand
I know I let you down
But I'm never gonna make that mistake again
You brought me closer
To who I really am
Again he offered her his hand.
So come take my hand
I want the world to see
What you mean to me
What you mean to me
She took it and found herself in his arms. The crowd erupted. Cheers, well wishes and teasing came their way but the two were in their own world. Izuku was holding on to her like his life depended on it. She could feel something wet falling on her head but she did not care.
"I'm so sorry," he began.
"It's ok," Ochako said.
"No, it's not!" Izuku countered sharply. "Because of my secrets, because of my boneheadedness, I almost lost the person who supported me from the very beginning. The person that had been with me through hell and back. The person I…"
"Shh," she shushed him placing a finger on his lips. "It's ok. As long as we're together we'll get through anything."
They spent what felt like hours like that. It was only when Eraserhead had coughed and told them that they needed to clear the stage for the next performance that they came too. Both turned scarlet from the realization that they had that little moment in public and the teasing that came with it. Unconsciously, Izuku took Ochako's hand and intertwined their fingers. A comfortable silence fell on them as they roamed the festival.
"Ochako," he called.
"Hmm?" She responded.
"Would it be ok to…" He stammered. "Can I stay by your side… I mean…. Uh… how do I say this?"
"Forever," she replied before placing her lips on top of his to stop him from stuttering.